Motor vehicle door system

ABSTRACT

A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-ProvisionalPatent application Ser. No. 11/613,651, filed on Dec. 20, 2006, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,722 on Jun. 1, 2010, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an interactive vehicle door, and moreparticularly, to a door opening and positioning mechanism that isresponsive to both the orientation the vehicle, and forces acting on thedoor.

BACKGROUND

Present vehicle doors are invariably attached horizontally (orvertically) to a vehicle body by simple hinges, for example, having someform of mechanical detents that predetermine one or more positions ofthe door when opened. These door positions and the forces required toopen the door are independent of, and not responsive to vehicleposition, gravity or external forces that may inhibit or facilitate theopening or closing action. Thus, when the vehicle is parked on anon-horizontal surface or if an external force (i.e., wind) is applied,the person exiting or entering by the door commonly encountersundesirable forces that add to his efforts in opening or closing thedoor. The door may then suddenly open or close forcefully causing injuryto the exiting person or adjacent structures.

These additional vehicle position and external forces particularlyencumber the elderly, weak and/or disabled. Further, the predetermineddetent positions do not account for variations in opening angles thatcan vary due to the proximity of external obstructions, adjacentvehicles, walls or objects. Nonetheless, such static, predetermined doorpositions are the standard mode utilized in the hinging of vehicledoors. In addition, fixed detents fail to address the many variations inforce that act upon a vehicle door, including forces due to vehicleorientation and/or external forces. Additionally, on reaching thedesired open position, the known vehicle door mechanisms fail to holdthe door in the desired open position, and this is further aggravated byvehicle orientation and external forces.

With the above Background in mind, improvements to, and advancement of,vehicle door mechanisms will be welcomed by the motoring public.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention provides a system for opening andclosing a door attached to a vehicle. The system includes at least onevehicle position sensor configured to sense an orientation of thevehicle relative to horizontal and vertical reference frames, at leastone door position sensor, an actuator coupled to the door and configuredto open and close the door, a power source and power source controllerelectrically coupled to the actuator, and circuitry in electricalcommunication with the vehicle position sensor(s), the door positionsensor(s), and the power source. In this regard, the circuitrydetermines a force to be delivered by the actuator in proportionallyassisting an occupant of the vehicle in opening/closing the door.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of providingpower assistance to a door attached to a vehicle. The method includesproviding the vehicle with a power assistance system including a spatialsensor configured to sense gravitational forces acting on the door, adoor sensor configured to sense a position of the door, and a poweredactuator coupled to the door, the powered actuator electricallycommunicating with the spatial sensor and the door sensor. The methodadditionally includes sensing a real time sum of gravitational andexternal forces acting on the door. The method further includes poweringthe actuator to assist in opening/closing the door by offsetting the sumof gravitational and external forces acting on the door.

Other aspects of the present invention provide means to detect vehicleposition relative to gravity and true vertical, and sensors to sense theforce applied inside or outside in opening or closing the door as theoccupant exits or enters. Additional aspects of the present inventionprovide sensors to detect a final vehicle door position as well as theresultant opening or closing velocity. In one embodiment, a computersystem integrates this information and determines the actual andappropriate force required, balanced between that of the occupant orentrant person and that of a separate powered mechanism that forcefullyacts in determining the final door position.

In one embodiment, the system also includes a contact detector on themost prominent projection of the door's outer margin to sense theencounter of an external obstruction, causing the opening force to bearrested. In addition, an indicator or alarm means is activated. Theeffort applied by the occupant is detected by a sensing means that isprominent and easily operated, such as an interactive force plate, knobor handle that is grasped or otherwise contacted by the occupant in theact of opening or closing the door. In one embodiment, the door closingand locking action is operated by the turn of an outside key or byaction of a remote control.

In one embodiment, the power applied to door operation boosts the forcesfor opening and closing the door, much as does a power braking or powersteering system of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the system employs astand-by battery for use if the vehicle battery fails. In oneembodiment, a detecting, integrating and actuating computer is employedin a remote location and protected against catastrophe much as anaircraft ‘black box’.

The system also provides for safety overrides if the vehicle has lostpower, is submerged or in an accident that may compromise door-openingaction. Further, direct, keypad and remote locking-unlocking means ofthe system facilitate these functions as do normally present ones. Thefinal assembly facilitates the opening or closing of the vehicle doorunder a wide range of gravitational and other external forces and theforce applied by the occupant in exiting or entering the vehicle. Thecomputer detecting, integrating and controlling the actions of thesystem directly regulates the forces applied as to strength andvelocity, in opening or closing the door. The computer is redundant inthat it includes more than one system and a separate isolatedrechargeable battery for safety. In this regard, the computer system isconfigured to be recharged during normal vehicle use and is isolatedfrom depletion in the case of the main vehicle battery failure orremoval.

Aspects of the motor vehicle door system also provide for panic statesin opening or closing the door, appropriately altering the force andvelocity of door action. Additionally, in one embodiment a hydraulic orpneumatic accumulator (as used on truck brakes) maintains reserve powerto assist in opening and closing functions in the event of battery powerfailure. Further, the control unit has redundant electrical andhydraulic or pneumatic connections to obviate failure by accidentalimpact that may distort the vehicle frame and structure that mightobstruct vehicle exit or access by assisting persons. This feature issimilar to that found in redundant aircraft controls. Another aspect ofthe present invention provides additional safety by reverting to theoriginal mechanical hinge and detent door means, in case of the failureof the automatic, interactive power-assisted system as disclosedherewith. Still another aspect is a visual display of system status,door position and power source reserve and other pertinent parameters onthe vehicle dash panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily toscale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designatecorresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system 20 for opening and closing adoor attached to a vehicle according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used withreference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Becausecomponents of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned ina number of different orientations, the directional terminology is usedfor purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 20 for opening and closing a door 1 attachedto a vehicle 2. In general terms, the system 20 includes at least onevehicle position sensor 6 configured to sense an orientation of thevehicle 2 relative to horizontal and vertical reference frames; at leastone actuator 3 coupled to the door 1 and configured to effectuateopening and closing of the door 1 relative to the vehicle 2; and a powersource 4 coupled to, and prompting operation of, the actuator(s) 3. Asdescribed below, additional sensors and circuitry elements combine withinformation provided by the vehicle position sensor(s) 6 to operate thepower source 4 in a manner causing a desired opening or closing of thedoor via the actuator(s) 3.

FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of the invention where the sensing ofexternal and internally applied forces is integrated, signal conditionedand caused to produce actuating forces. The resultant forces andpositions of door opening, through feedback mechanisms, result indesired opening of the vehicle door. This position can thus be achievedwhile adverse conditions may be acting to inhibit or augment the act ofdoor opening. Redundant and reserve energy sources and connections amongcomponents reliably and safely maintain proper door functions even inthe event of power failure or vehicle accident.

With reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle door 1 is suitably hinged to thevehicle body 2. Powered actuators 3 (OP, CL) apply forces to open andclose the door 1. In one embodiment, the actuators 3 include hydraulicactuators; in another embodiment the actuators include pneumatic orelectrical actuators. A power source/controller 4 provides force to theactuator(s) 3, for example pressurized fluid delivered from a motorizedpump (MO), or other suitable means such as an accumulator or electricallinear actuator. Operation of the power source/controller 4 iscontrolled by one or more suitable power differential amplifiers 5 foropening (OP) or closing (CL) of the door 1. The vehicle positionsensor(s) 6, for example a geo-positional sensor, detects the vehicleforward-reverse inclination (I) and right-left lateral tilt (T), feedingthese signals into circuitry configured to prompt/dictate operation ofthe power source 4. In one embodiment, the circuitry includesappropriate differential, control power amplifiers 5 having opening andclosing (OP, CL) functions. A suitable inside occupant touch-pullsensitive pad 7 detects the force applied by the occupant, or an outsidepad 8 detects the force applied by an entrant person, while opening orclosing the door 1, feeding these signals into the appropriatedifferential power amplifiers 5.

In some embodiments, one or more limit detectors 9 are mounted on thedoor exterior rim (X) and/or interior door panel (I) to detectobstructions to door motion and force, with the limit signals passingthrough a limit control amplifier (L) 10 and then to a differentialmotor control amplifier (M) 11 to stop the power source/controller 4. Inone embodiment, control valves 12 in the tubing from the powersource/controller 4 permit opening (VO) or closing (VC) force to beapplied to the appropriate actuators 3 (OP, CL). The detector(s) 9, orother similar circuitry or controller components, thus serve to minimizeor prevent damage to external objects in the event the door 1 is forcedinto contact with the external object.

A fail-safe shunt valve 13 can optionally be provided that effectivelyreleases the actuators 3 for free operation, thus overriding the powersource/controller 4 to prevent the delivery of force to the actuators 3.The shunt valve 13, or similar circuitry or controller component(s),thus operates to provide a fail safe feature in the event of powerfailure.

In some embodiments, the actuators 3 press against mounted force pads 14suitably attached to the door 1 and deliver the force from the powersource/controller 4. The resulting door position (relative to thevehicle 2) is detected by a door position sensor 15 (DP) withconnections into the differential power amplifiers 5 that integrateinformation from geopositional sensors 6 and operator push-pull pads 7,8.

The pads 7, 8 in one embodiment are rate sensitive, thus applying theresultant assistive forces slowly or rapidly as detected by the extentand rate of force applied to them. These components prompt operation ofthe power source/controller 4 on demand. In some embodiments, theoutside pad 8 is adapted to initiate the assistive system by a normalkey or code button operated door lock. Door locking inhibits the system20.

As referenced above, a door position sensor 15 detects the doorposition. Appropriate electronics (i.e., the circuitry of the system 20)differentially sense the balance between geographic vehicle position andforces applied by the operant person and the actuators as well as theforce applied through the power source 4 and the valves to achieveappropriate opening or closing forces and door position.

The application of assistive forces to open or close the vehicle door 1,depending on vehicle geo-position and user-applied force is similar to apower braking or steering system except that the negative feedbackcontrol is not user (vehicle driver) performed but detector performed.In one embodiment, the shunt valve 13 across the two parallel actuatorpower source 4 tubes is normally open; becoming closed only when thesystem is initiated and force operated. This normally open shunting isthe fail-safe portion of the system, reverting to the normal unassistedhinging of the vehicle door, in case of battery power or pump failure.

A hydraulic or pneumatic accumulator 16 may be used for reserve,stand-by force in the event of power or pump failure (e.g., the powersource 4 fails). On parking and turning off the ignition of the vehicle2, the door assistive system 20 continues to function by pressing orpulling on the inside or outside touch-pull pads 7, 8, energizing thesystem by direct battery power or reserve power from the aboveaccumulator.

A remote or direct switch controller may optionally be provided in someembodiments. Similarly, a selective switch can be provided to guardagainst inadvertent passenger exit or undesirable intruder attemptedentry. Further, the user may elect to disengage the system 20 at anytime such as when under way. An additional control may permit the userto bias the rate of operation of door assistance. The system 20 isadaptable to vertically or horizontally hinged doors.

In this regard, in some embodiments the external and internal sensingmeans are force and position transducers appropriately located andremovably affixed for best operation. During use, door opening andclosing and limit stop limitations are all smoothly and effortlesslyachieved by the user in opening or closing of the vehicle door,independent on the steepness or tilt of the street.

One skilled in the art will recognize that other electronic sensing,integrating, signal conditioning and the mechanical, hydraulic orpneumatic actuating components and designs may be substituted withoutchanging the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, integration and supervising coordination of operationof the amplifiers, valves, actuators and sources and strengths of forceaugmentation and their sequencing are controlled by a central computer(not shown). The initiating positional detection is a combination ofgravity and the attitude relative to a true vertical position. While thevehicle is in motion the output of these detectors, being pendulumoperated in one embodiment, contact switches or a freely movable mass ofliquid mercury, is defeated. When not moving and selectively the footbrake or the hand brake is applied or not or with the transmission inits ‘Park’ position, the novel system is in full operation. This allowsfor a guest, with assistance, to enter the vehicle while the operator isstill inside with brakes applied and the transmission in a neutral orholding position.

Method and Example of Use

With reference to FIG. 1 the actual use and actions, are disclosedherewith. Initially, with the vehicle parked and its motor shut off, thevehicle operator engages the system 20 by key or external pad. He thenpulls the door open 1, grasping the pull pad 8 means, energizing thesystem 20. When the pull means 7 is released, the door 1 stops in thatposition. The operator enters the vehicle 2 and pulls the closing pad 7means that again energizes the system 20 to assist in closing. If anobstruction is encountered such as clothing or safety shoulder belt, theassistance ceases and resets allowing the door 1 to be opened again asneeded to clear the obstruction. As the assisted door 1 swings open, ifan external obstruction is encountered or the power continues but theposition of the door 1 does not, indicating an obstruction, theassistance is ceased and the system reset for further manual control bythe operator. Closure of the door must be complete in order to fullydefeat the assistance. A partially closed door may then be assisted forfull closure. When under way the system 20 ceases operation and theoperator may open 1 the door slightly if needed only by prolongedpressure on the push pad 7. This permission for opening the door 2 whileunder way can be inhibited by switch control as needed.

When the vehicle 2 is parked and the hand brake is set or not but thetransmission is in the park position, the assistance system 20 isenergized but the obstruction limit switches remain active. When theoperator ceases to press against the open force pad, the position of thedoor 1 ‘freezes’ in that position, facilitating exit from the vehicle 2.Interrupted or incremental opening or closing of the door 1 thereforeremains under constant user control, balanced by geopositional force,the force applied by the driver, the control computer and poweramplifiers as described.

In the case of power failure, accident or drowning, the shunt valve 13being normally open, reverts to and maintains the door function to itsinitial hinged condition. Under all conditions a small attitude displayon the dash panel of the vehicle indicates the status of the doors, theforce source, the actuators and geoposition.

ADVANTAGES

The invention augments the forces required to open or close a vehicledoor and to hold the preferred door position, overcoming thecounteractive forces of gravity and external weather conditions such asstrong winds. The augmented force to open or close is actuated using aninteractive mechanism, not unlike a power braking or steering system.The system and method are extremely reliable, stable and redundant,under control by the user at all times. The device and method can beused with or without direct vehicular power, as in the case of batteryfailure or removal or following an accident, as required by thecircumstance. The user employing the system simply pushes against orpulls on a plate or knob attached to a sensor, that by feedback andcomputer signal conditioning, permits continuous adjustment of the forceto open or close the door as needed. Thus external forces are balancedwith the exertion of the user, requiring little force by the user tooperate the door. The door may be hinged vertically or horizontally. Inthe unlikely event of compete failure of the assisting system, thenormal unassisted mechanical door hinge, lock and opening mechanismsremain functional.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown and described withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specificembodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that thisinvention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, itshould be understood that various changes, adaptations and modificationsmay be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

The application of this boosted interactive door operating system isdevoid of any undesirable side effect such as system failure ordisablement by an accident. Both the instantaneous boosting andfail-safe effects are immediate and continuous. With the devicedisclosed herein, the person opening or closing the vehicle dooradvantageously feels an instant boost in power to overcome gravity orwind force that does not exist in standard door hinging and detentmechanisms. Further, an external detector stops the opening force in theevent of an external obstruction, preventing damage to the door or theobstructing object. The system components are protected in crash-proof,fireproof containers and attached to the vehicle chassis in a variety ofways. Preferred means to deliver the force to open or close the door maybe hydraulic, pneumatic or direct motor operated. Reserve power using anaccumulator retains force to operate the door in case of completefailure of the input power supply. However, the original hinging anddetent components of the standard vehicle door remain in position andcan be resorted to in the case of complete system failure. The sourcesof system power, reserve and back-up are disclosed here although personsskilled in the electrical and mechanical arts can adapt the concept to avariety of means to cause desirable, balanced power-assisted dooropening and closing.

1. A method of providing power assistance to a door attached to avehicle, the method comprising: providing the vehicle with a powerassistance system including a spatial sensor configured to sensegravitational forces acting on the door, a door sensor configured tosense a position of the door, and a powered actuator coupled to thedoor, the powered actuator electronically communicating with the spatialsensor and the door sensor; sensing a real time sum of gravitational andexternal forces acting on the door; and powering the actuator to assistin opening/closing the door by offsetting the sum of gravitational andexternal forces acting on the door.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the vehicle with a power assistance system includes providingthe vehicle with a door pad configured to sense a force delivered by auser, the door pad in electrical communication with the poweredactuator, and further wherein powering the actuator includes stoppingthe actuator when the force delivered by the user is approximately zeropounds.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein powering the actuator includesproviding a force to the actuator in maintaining the door in an openposition.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein powering the actuatorincludes opening/closing the door based upon a sensed time rate ofchange in door position.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein powering theactuator includes opening/closing the door based upon a sensed time rateof change in door velocity.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein providingthe vehicle with a power assistance system includes providing the doorwith at least one limit detector electrically communicating with thepowered actuator, the at least one limit detector configured to detect adoor obstruction and disable the powered actuator when the doorobstruction is sensed.